Originally
published back in 1997 (and titled Beginner’s Guide
to Braiding – The Craft of Kumihimo) this is the
definitive book on the subject, at least in the UK. I still
have my much-used copy, which introduced me to the wonderful
world of “narrow wares” that can be made on a
traditional marudai.

Fast
forward to 2020, and many people do this craft on handheld
disk marudai, but this book deals with the type that sits
on the floor and (in my opinion at least) is a lot easier
to master.

The
book opens with what you need to begin, showing photographs
of the wooden type, the acrylic version that I use, and even
a homemade marudai constructed from a lampshade frame and
card disk. You will also require bobbins, weights and a few
other items, which can all be purchased from the website below.
Learn how to wind the bobbins, set up the marudai, and get
started on your first braid with the aid of plenty of captioned
photographs.

This
book is aimed at the beginner and is pretty foolproof. I followed
the instructions and was making professional-looking braids
on my first day. Make round, square and flat braids, add simple
tassels and work in other types of yarn. Note that this book
only deals with making the braids, with two pages at the back
showing what can be done with them. Finishing them off and
using them for tiebacks, jewelry, embroidery, etc., are dealt
with in other books or by having a go. It is not difficult
to learn how to make braids using a traditional marudai, and
this book has the clearest, most user friendly instructions
I have seen. Highly recommended.

If
you cannot find a good range of materials locally try www.searchpress.com
for a list of suppliers.

Marudais,
bobbins, threads etc available from the author’s website
www.careycompany.com